My Toddler Picks at Their Skin
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, AACAP, Zero to Three guidelines
Last reviewed:
Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed my toddler picks at their skin, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Occasional skin picking in toddlers is common and usually harmless - they are exploring their bodies, responding to itchiness, or self-soothing. Most children pick at scabs, dry skin, or small bumps occasionally. If the picking is causing frequent bleeding, sores, or seems compulsive, it is worth discussing with your pediatrician.
Key takeaways
- Occasional skin picking in toddlers is common and usually harmless - they are exploring their bodies, responding to itchiness, or self-soothing. Most children pick at scabs, dry skin, or small bumps occasionally. If the picking is causing frequent bleeding, sores, or seems compulsive, it is worth discussing with your pediatrician.
- Usually normal when: Your toddler picks at scabs, dry skin, or bug bites occasionally but stops when redirected
- Call your doctor if: Your child has developed a skin infection (redness, warmth, pus, or fever) from picking
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, AACAP, Zero to Three guidelines, occasional skin picking in toddlers is common and usually harmless - they are exploring their bodies, responding to itchiness, or self-soothing. Most children pick at scabs, dry skin, or small bumps occasionally. If the picking is causing frequent bleeding, sores, or seems compulsive, it is worth discussing with your pediatrician. At 12-18 months, toddlers at this age often discover scabs, dry patches, or bumps on their skin and pick at them out of curiosity. They may also scratch or pick in response to eczema, bug bites, or other itchy skin conditions. Keep nails trimmed short, moisturize dry skin, and try to address any underlying itch or irritation. Redirection usually works at this age. It is generally considered normal when your toddler picks at scabs, dry skin, or bug bites occasionally but stops when redirected. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child has developed a skin infection (redness, warmth, pus, or fever) from picking.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
12-18 months
Toddlers at this age often discover scabs, dry patches, or bumps on their skin and pick at them out of curiosity. They may also scratch or pick in response to eczema, bug bites, or other itchy skin conditions. Keep nails trimmed short, moisturize dry skin, and try to address any underlying itch or irritation. Redirection usually works at this age.
18 months - 3 years
Skin picking can become more deliberate during this stage. Some toddlers pick at their face, arms, or legs when bored, tired, or anxious. Others focus on scabs or small imperfections and cannot resist the urge to pick them off. This is usually a phase and not a sign of a deeper issue. Gently redirecting hands ("Let's keep that covered so it can heal") or offering a fidget toy can help.
3-5 years
Most children outgrow frequent skin picking by preschool age as they develop better self-control. If picking persists, worsens, or your child seems unable to stop even when they want to, it may be becoming a compulsive habit. Look for patterns - does it happen when anxious, during screen time, or at bedtime? Addressing triggers and offering alternative sensory outlets can reduce the behavior.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler picks at their skin and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child picks frequently enough to create new sores or delay healing of existing ones.
- Mention if picking seems to be triggered by anxiety, stress, or strong emotions.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your toddler picks at scabs, dry skin, or bug bites occasionally but stops when redirected
- Picking happens in specific situations (like boredom or when there is a visible scab to pick)
- Your child does not pick to the point of creating new wounds or infections
- The behavior is mild and not interfering with healing or causing scarring
- Your toddler is otherwise developing typically and does not show signs of distress
- Your child picks frequently enough to create new sores or delay healing of existing ones
- Picking seems to be triggered by anxiety, stress, or strong emotions
- Your child has created noticeable scarring or skin damage from repeated picking
- Picking is focused on one area (like the face or arms) and is becoming a daily habit
- Your child has developed a skin infection (redness, warmth, pus, or fever) from picking
- Picking is so severe or frequent that your child is bleeding regularly or has open wounds that will not heal
- Your child is picking in response to hallucinations, delusions, or seems to be in distress about their skin that is not based in reality
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice my toddler picks at their skin — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your toddler picks at scabs, dry skin, or bug bites occasionally but stops when redirected — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 12-18 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Respond consistently and calmly to your baby's behavior. Maintain predictable daily routines.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child has developed a skin infection (redness, warmth, pus, or fever) from picking.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is my toddler picks at their skin normal?
When should I call the doctor about my toddler picks at their skin?
When is my toddler picks at their skin normal?
What causes my toddler picks at their skin?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about my toddler picks at their skin?
Is my toddler picks at their skin normal at 12-18 months?
Is my toddler picks at their skin normal at 18 months - 3 years?
Should I go to the ER for my toddler picks at their skin?
Does my toddler picks at their skin go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Skin Picking and Habits in Young Children. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [2]American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Skin Picking Disorder (Excoriation). Facts for Families. AACAP
- [3]Zero to Three. Understanding Self-Soothing Behaviors in Toddlers. Zero to Three
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Toddler Picks at Their Skin.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler picks at their skin and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child picks frequently enough to create new sores or delay healing of existing ones.
- Mention if picking seems to be triggered by anxiety, stress, or strong emotions.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your child picks frequently enough to create new sores or delay healing of existing ones
- Picking seems to be triggered by anxiety, stress, or strong emotions
- Your child has created noticeable scarring or skin damage from repeated picking
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child has developed a skin infection (redness, warmth, pus, or fever) from picking
- Picking is so severe or frequent that your child is bleeding regularly or has open wounds that will not heal
- Your child is picking in response to hallucinations, delusions, or seems to be in distress about their skin that is not based in reality
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of my toddler picks at their skin are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child has developed a skin infection (redness, warmth, pus, or fever) from picking.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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